Toure, 30, is enjoying the most prolific campaign of his career for City this season, having scored 15 goals so far.

However, the Ivory Coast international was accused of neglecting his defensive duties by Hamann, 40, who said he does not offer his centre-backs enough protection.

But Toure told a news conference: “For me they are not important people. We have a lot of respect for the older players but sometimes they are wrong, the answers they give are not right.

“Sometimes they have to give answers to the people. People love football and always want to hear something. Sometimes we’re disappointed when we hear some stupid things. For me, the important thing is to move on.

“I think, for me, the most important thing is what my manager tells me to do and what I think that’s the best way for the team and the best way for me as well. I have always given myself in every way.

“I have been playing in this position for a couple of clubs and I have a lot of experience. It doesn’t matter who wants to continue to criticise me and talk about me, I just want to focus on the next game.

“For me the most important thing is we have to move on -- liability or no liability -- I’ve been playing for a long time.”

And Pellegrini defended Toure, insisting the former Barcelona player is only following his instructions.

He added: “I listen to some questions about the way he plays and Yaya plays the way I want him to play.”

Pellegrini pointed out that Toure operated as a defensive midfielder in the 0-0 draw against Norwich but said he prefers it when another player gives him a licence to move forward.

He said: “Playing with Javi Garcia or Fernandinho is the way I want him to play where he can give us a lot of offensive moments. He knows also he has to defend and he can do it.”